Learning Resources

Outcomes

In this lesson you will

• Collect and analyze non-linear data.
• Use regression analyses to find curves of best fit.

By the end of this section you should be able to:

• Model real-world phenomena using quadratic functions.
• Sketch graphs from descriptions, tables, and collected data.
• Analyze scatter plots, and determine and apply the equations for the curves of best fit, using appropriate technology.
• Describe and translate between graphical, tabular, written, and symbolic representations of quadratic relationships.
• Analyze tables and graphs to distinguish between linear, quadratic, and exponential relationships.
• Describe and interpret domains and ranges using set notation.

Introduction

In this section you will determine the equation of the curve of best fit for collected and given non-linear real-world data, especially data involving quadratic relationships. You will be encouraged to make informed decisions about the type of regressions to apply, based on the shape of the graph, the nature of the physical phenomenon being modeled, and the properties of non-linear sequences investigated in the previous section.

You will be able to use the technical knowledge acquired in this section to develop further understanding of quadratic functions presented in the next two sections. You will determine a quadratic function by modeling the problem under investigation.

You will also learn that an equation of the curve of best fit is often restricted to a specific domain.

This section should take you about 3 hours to complete.

Prerequisites

To be successful in this lesson, it would be helpful to know the following:

• How to use technology to graph linear and non linear functions and find the equations of the curve of best fit.
• How to use symbols to represent or model real-world relationships.
• How to use common differences to classify non-linear data.